The international community continues to react to the arrest of United National Movement leader Nika Melia earlier today during a special operation of UNM party offices.
In his post Former US Ambassador to Georgia Ian Kelly said that 'all friends of Georgian democracy should rally around those standing up for it now'.
All friends of Georgian democracy should rally around those standing up for it now. It’s up to the government to deescalate the situation and release Melia immediately. https://t.co/LO5HdV3lVZ
— Ian Kelly (@ikelly731) February 23, 2021
Ambassador of Norway to Georgia Helene Sand Andresen urged the government and opposition to search for ways to calm the situation.
Forceful detention of ???????? opposition leader an unwelcome escalation. Urge Government and opposition to search for ways to calm the situation and find way back to political dialogue. Georgia now needs all political forces to put national interest first and stay on democratic path.
— Helene Sand Andresen (@SandAndresen) February 23, 2021
Swedish Foreign Minister and OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Ann Linde called on 'all sides to immediately de-escalate the situation.’
Following with concern the latest events in #Tbilisi. As @OSCE CiO, I repeat my call on all sides to immediately de-escalate the situation, resume dialogue and act with full respect of OSCE commitments to safeguard the progress the country has made. #OSCE2021SWE
— Ann Linde (@AnnLinde) February 23, 2021